Method and apparatus to attain and maintain target end tidal gas concentrations

ABSTRACT

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas in a subject comprising a breathing circuit, a source of gas flow into the circuit, means for controlling the rate of the source of gas flow into the circuit and means for controlling the concentration of gases in the source gas flow independently from each other. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of preparing an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas X in a subject comprising selecting a rate of a source gas flow into a breathing circuit, selecting the concentration of at least one constituent gas of a component gas making up the source gas to a level corresponding to the end tidal concentration of the gas X, whereby the apparatus is adapted to administer a source gas having a first gas composition.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein relates to the field of blood gas control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ordinarily, when minute ventilation increases, the partial pressure of end tidal CO₂ (PETCO₂) decreases and partial pressure of end tidal O₂ (PETO₂) increases. U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,725, (Fisher et al.), describes fixing fresh gas flowing into a partial rebreathing circuit, which in that instance was also a sequential gas delivery circuit, in order to maintain constant PETCO₂ in the face of increases in minute ventilation on the part of the subject. Canadian Patent Application 2,346,517 (Fisher et al.) also describes means of keeping PETO₂ constant at a given attained level despite increases in minute ventilation. None of these documents disclose means to set gas flows and gas concentrations into a circuit to attain a target end tidal fractional concentration of CO₂ (F_(T) ETCO₂) and/or a target end tidal fractional concentration of O₂ (F_(T) ETO₂) for a given minute ventilation ({dot over (V)}E), that is different from initial F_(T) ETCO₂ and F_(T) ETO₂.

Providing a level of control that permits attaining a target end tidal fractional concentration of CO₂ (F_(T) ETCO₂) and/or a target end tidal fractional concentration of O₂ (F_(T) ETO₂) for a given minute ventilation ({dot over (V)}E), that is different from initial F_(T) ETCO₂ and F_(T) ETO₂. can be used for a number of applications. For example, one such application is measuring cerebrovascular reactivity. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is closely regulated by metabolic demands of the brain tissue. CBF also responds to changes in arterial PCO₂ and PO₂. The extent of the change in CBF in response to a stimulus is termed cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). CVR may be a sensitive indicator of abnormal vessels such as vascular dysplasia or tissue abnormalities such as brain swelling and cancer. Quantitatively mapping CVR throughout the brain using imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could identify areas of abnormal CVR.

Brain blood vessel diameter responds to changes in blood PO₂ as well as blood PCO₂. Blood PO₂ and blood PCO₂ are strongly tied to end tidal concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ respectively. Present methods of inducing high PETCO₂ control PETO₂ poorly and do not control PCO₂ and PO₂ independently.

There are several current methods that are known for changing blood PCO₂ and PO₂ via control of the gas concentrations in the lungs.

A: Breath-Holding

One method for inducing changes in PCO₂ during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is breath-holding. As there is a rapid drift in the baseline MRI signal, changes in MRI signal resulting from changes in brain blood flow can be detected only by rapidly alternating the stimulus between “control” and “test” values. With respect to PCO₂, this requires rapid step changes in PCO₂, preferably maintaining PO₂ constant. Cycle times of 3 min have been reported by Vesely et al (1) to be suitable, but shorter cycle times would be preferred. Breath-holding induces an increase in PCO₂ but it is not well suited to measuring CVR. The rise in blood PCO₂ during breath-holding is very slow as it is dependent on body CO₂ production ({dot over (V)}CO₂), which is small compared to body capacitance for CO₂. During breath holding, alveolar PO₂ declines progressively. As CO₂ production, CO₂ capacitance and the tolerable breath-holding time varies from subject to subject, so will the final blood PCO₂ and PETO₂. As there is no gas sampling during breath-holding the blood PCO₂ and PO₂ is unknown for the duration of the breath-hold so it is not possible to relate the MRI signal strength to PCO₂ or PO₂, a requirement for the calculation of CVR. The changes in lung and blood PCO₂ during breath-holding are an exponential function with time. Therefore breath holding time is a poor variable to use to quantitate the strength of the stimulus.

B: Inhaling CO₂

A second traditional method of changing PCO₂ is inspiring gas mixtures containing CO₂ via a facemask. This is known to result in a highly variable ventilatory response between subjects leading to a large variability in PETCO₂. Furthermore, inhaling CO₂ changes the minute ventilation ({dot over (V)}E) resulting also in variability in blood PO₂. Oxygen is a potent vasoconstrictor and confounds the interpretation of the relationship between PCO₂ and brain blood flow.

Therefore, neither breath-holding nor inhaling a gas mixture containing CO₂ provide suitable conditions for a consistent, repeatable quantitative test for CVR.

C: Gas Forcing

Since the effects of inhaling a CO₂-containing gas mixture on increasing PCO₂ can be overcome by increasing minute ventilation, one can introduce a feedback loop to adjust the inhaled PCO₂ to effect a target PETCO₂. This is referred to as “gas forcing” (2). Gas forcing has been shown to be effective in imposing target PETO₂ and target PETCO₂ independent of minute ventilation. However, it does have some drawbacks with respect to measuring CVR:

Gas forcing depends on a feedback loop. Feedback loops can have inherent instability depending on the gain and time constant of the system, and are prone to drift and oscillation of end-tidal values.

Gas forcing is usually applied in a chamber or requires a hood over the head. As such, there is a large volume of gas that needs to be replaced rapidly for each change in inspired PCO₂. This necessitates very large flows of gases and very precise flow controllers for each gas (such as N₂, O₂ and CO₂ if only these gases are controlled). This is very expensive and cumbersome, and an error which leads to presentation of pure N₂ or pure CO₂ could be deadly.

Gas forcing requires the construction of a special chamber that is not available commercially and has been custom built for research purposes. This is available only in a few places in the world.

The requirement for specific air-tight chambers, large gas flow controllers, massive volumes of gases, and complex computer control algorithms makes gas forcing too cumbersome to be suitable for use in a radiology, MRI and ophthalmology suites.

The time constant for changes in alveolar gas concentrations is too long to be suitable for use with MRI.

D: Sequential Gas Delivery Method:

A more recent method introduced by Vesely et al. (1) solved some of these problems. They used O₂ flow to a sequential gas delivery (SGD) circuit to produce rapid changes in PETCO₂ between two known levels (30-50 mmHg). (A SGD circuit provides (at least) two gases through two breathing circuit limbs. The gas from the first limb (G¹) is provided first, and if the subject's breathing exceeds the available first gas, the balance of that breath is made up of the second gas (G²). The second gas may be previously exhaled gas collected in a reservoir on the second limb.) To reduce PCO₂, they asked their subjects to hyperventilate while providing large O₂ flows into the SGD. To raise the PCO₂, they provided a bolus of CO₂ by briefly changing the composition of the gas entering the circuit and then maintained the raised PCO₂ by controlling the flow into the SGD. While this allowed transitions to a new PETCO₂, the lowering and raising of O₂ flows into the circuit to control PETCO₂ and the required changes in {dot over (V)}E cause alveolar, and thus end tidal, O₂ concentrations to change during the protocol despite near constant inspired O₂ concentration. For example, when O₂ flow is restricted in order to keep the PETCO₂ high, the PETO₂ tends to drift down (as O₂ consumption stays constant in the face of reduced O₂ delivery). When subjects hyperventilate to lower the PETCO₂, the increased O₂ flow into the circuit results in a rise of PETO₂ (as O₂ consumption stays constant and O₂ delivery is increased). The changes in blood PO₂ have an effect on the MRI signal independent of brain blood flow confounding the interpretation with respect to blood flow.

There are additional practical problems with this method:

Subjects must change their {dot over (V)}E frequently during the protocol. It may be difficult for most people to comply adequately with this.

Not adequately following breathing instructions results in not meeting target PCO₂ values

Not responding to breathing instructions quickly enough invalidate the MRI data.

The method of Vesely et al uses 2 gases and the manipulation of flow into the circuit to change end tidal CO₂ values. With this method, if the total flow is set, then

-   -   varying the inspired PCO₂ changes the inspired PO₂.     -   PETO₂ cannot be determined independently of PETCO₂.     -   PETO₂ and PETCO₂ cannot be varied independently.

REFERENCE LIST

-   (1) Vesely A, Sasano H, Volgyesi G, Somogyi R, Tesler J, Fedorko L     et al. MRI mapping of cerebrovascular reactivity using square wave     changes in end-tidal PCO2. Magn Reson Med 2001; 45(6):1011-1013. -   (2) Robbins P A, Swanson G D, Howson M G. A prediction-correction     scheme for forcing alveolar gases along certain time courses. J Appl     Physiol 1982; 52(5):1353-1357.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method to control the end tidal CO₂ and end tidal O₂ independently of each other and independently of minute ventilation.

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method of inducing a target end tidal concentration, or maintaining the end tidal concentration at a target level, of a gas X in a subject comprising:

setting the source gas flow into a partial re-breathing circuit at a rate equal to or less than the subject's minute ventilation;

setting the concentration of said gas X in the source gas to a predetermined level that will induce the end-tidal concentration of said gas X to be at the target end tidal concentration;

delivering the source gas to the subject through said circuit.

Throughout this disclosure, the term subject is intended to be interpreted broadly, and could include, for example, a human adult or child or an animal.

In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a method of inducing target end tidal concentrations, or maintaining end tidal concentrations at a target level, of a plurality of gases in a subject comprising:

setting the source gas flow into a partial re-breathing circuit at a rate equal to or less than the subject's minute ventilation;

setting the concentration in the source gas, of each gas whose target is being induced or maintained, to a predetermined level to attain the target end tidal concentration of that gas;

delivering the source gas to the subject through said circuit.

As further described herein, according to one embodiment of the invention, the concentration in the source gas, of each gas whose end tidal concentration in the subject is being set to or maintained at a target, may be set by using one or more pre-mixed gases as the source gas, the said pre-mixed gas having a minimal safe concentration of oxygen and otherwise concentrations of target gases such as N₂ and CO₂ so as to provide the required target end tidal concentrations. Alternatively, the concentrations in the source of each gas whose end tidal concentration in the subject is being set to, or maintained at, a target, may be set by blending the source gas from a set of pure component gases, for example O₂, N₂, and CO₂.

Embodiments of the invention may be employed to simultaneously maintain or change the end tidal concentrations of two gases independently of one another. Alternatively, the invention may be employed to maintain the end tidal concentration of a first gas X, while the end tidal concentration of at least one second gas Y is changed from a first target to a second target, by altering the composition of the source gas so that the concentration of the at least one second gas Y is changed.

According to one aspect of the invention the concentration of one or more gases in the source gas flowing into a partial rebreathing circuit may be controlled to achieve a particular target end tidal concentration of those gases when such concentration of such gases in the source are predetermined and set based on one or more steps described herein. As described below, to achieve a target end tidal of a gas X that is physiologically produced by the subject's body, the concentration of said gas X is set using one formula:

$\begin{matrix} {{{FG}^{1}X} = {{F_{T}{{ET}X}} - \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}} & \; \end{matrix}$

where FG ¹X is the concentration of gas X in the source gas G¹, {dot over (V)}X is the subject's minute production of the physiologically produced gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of said gas X, and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas. An example of one such gas would be CO₂.

The concentration in the source gas of gases that are physiologically consumed by the subject are set using the formula:

${F_{G}^{1}X} = {{F_{T^{ET}}X} + \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{{\overset{.}{VG}}^{1}}}$

where FG ¹X is the concentration of gas X in the source gas G¹, {dot over (V)}X is the subject's minute consumption of gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of gas X and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas.

The above formulas are applicable in particular when the subject breathes into a partial rebreathing circuit and in particular a circuit such as that shown in FIG. 1 a, but is also applicable in any situation where the subject is breathing into a circuit with a flow of gas G1 and a flow of neutral gas G2 which is neutral with respect to the subject's end-tidal concentration of gas X.

The subject's minute production of a physiologically produced gas or minute consumption of a physiologically consumed gas may be estimated based on height and weight, or other parameters, or measured directly.

Whether the source gas can be, at any given time, made up of pre-mixed ‘component’ gases delivered individually or a blend of constituent gases, is a function of the capability of the apparatus (the apparatus may be adapted to accommodate one or both capabilities depending on its intended use) but is otherwise immaterial to the practice of the invention. In either case according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the source gas flow into the breathing circuit preferably has a minimum safe concentration of O₂, for example 10%. Where the source gas is made up of blended component gases (examples of sets of components gases for providing a full array of target and tidal concentrations are described below), at least the most frequently used and preferably each of the component gases comprises a minimum safe concentration of O₂.

In a broader aspect, to achieve one or more changes in the and tidal concentration of a given gas, the invention is directed to a method of changing an end tidal concentration of a gas X in a subject, comprising setting the source gas flow into a partial rebreathing circuit at a rate equal to or less than the subject's minute ventilation and providing a first concentration of said gas X in the source gas and delivering the source gas to the subject through said circuit in order to effect a first end tidal concentration of said gas X.

In a preferred embodiment of the latter method, the further step of providing at least one second different concentration of said gas X in the source gas and delivering the source gas to the subject through said circuit in order to effect a second end tidal concentration of said gas X conveniently enables a diagnostic assessment to be made by measuring a physiological parameter at two end tidal levels of said gas X.

In other aspects, the invention is directed to data acquisition and diagnostic methods employing any of the aforementioned methods of the invention and the various embodiments of those methods described herein and to apparatus adapted to carry out the method and components thereof, optionally including component gases, assembled to carry out the method.

Preferred embodiments of such data acquisition and diagnostic methods include:

A method to measure cerebrovascular reactivity comprising controlling the end tidal CO₂ and O₂ levels of a subject using one of the aforementioned methods and monitoring cerebral blood flow or oxygenation via some method such as a blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) or ASL (arterial spin lableling) with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging signal intensity, trans-cranial Doppler, carotid artery Doppler, Positron Emission imaging, Near Infra-red Spectroscopy.

A method to measure occulovascular reactivity comprising controlling the end tidal CO₂ and O₂ levels of a subject using one of the aforementioned methods and monitoring occulovascular blood flow.

A method to measure a beneficial level of oxygenation to tissues for the purpose of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, comprising controlling the end tidal CO₂ and O₂ levels of a subject using one of the aforementioned methods and monitoring oxygenation or blood flow in the skin, muscle, tumor or other tissue.

It will be appreciated that in the practice of the aforementioned diagnostic methods the end tidal CO₂ and O₂ levels are controlled independently of each other. For example, the end tidal CO₂ levels may be changed while the end tidal O₂ levels are kept constant or the end tidal O₂ levels may be changed while the end tidal CO₂ levels are kept constant or the end tidal O₂ levels and the end tidal CO₂ levels may be changed simultaneously.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a therapeutic method comprising any of the aforementioned methods for controlling end tidal gas concentrations, for example a therapeutic method comprising using such a method to set the end tidal O₂ and CO₂ levels to pre-determined levels that provide a beneficial oxygenation level or blood flow level to tissues for the purpose of accelerating healing, or increasing sensitivity to ablation by radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

In the practice of one embodiment of one of the aforementioned methods, the partial re-breathing circuit is a sequential gas delivery circuit and the apparatus includes

means for controlling the rate of flow of the source gas into the circuit

and means for controlling the concentration of said gases in the source gas flow. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises means for monitoring pressure in the breathing circuit and optionally further comprises means for measuring the subject's end tidal gas concentrations.

Optionally, the method above may further comprise measuring the end tidal gas concentrations and using feedback control to increase or decrease the concentrations of a particular gas so as to minimize the difference between the current end tidal concentration and the target end tidal concentration, for example so as to effect a more rapid change in target end tidal levels.

Changes in end tidal CO₂ and/or O₂ can be used to determine vascular reactivity in cerebral, pulmonary, renal, or retinal vessels and other vascular beds as detected by various blood flow or blood flow surrogate sensors. Similarly, changes in end tidal CO₂ and/or O₂ can be used to determine changes on organ or tissue function by measuring such factors as blood pressure and heart rate variability, skin conductivity, capillary blood flow in the skin, hormone levels, organ temperature, finger or other limb plethysmography, and other measurements known to physiologists and others skilled in the art.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of preparing an apparatus for the use of independently controlling the end tidal concentration of each constituent gas in the expired gas of a subject, comprising:

selecting a rate of a source gas flow into a breathing circuit, the rate projected to be not substantially more than the minute ventilation of the subject;

selecting the composition of said source gas by selecting the concentration of a constituent gas X in the source gas based on a selected end tidal concentration of the constituent gas X, whereby said apparatus is adapted to administer a source gas having a first gas composition. In one aspect, step b) includes mathematical computation of the selected concentration of the constituent gas X based on the selected end tidal concentration of the constituent gas X. In another aspect the invention is directed to the apparatus so prepared, such apparatus comprising at least one component gas inlet port, and conveniently 3 or 4 such ports for controlling selected end tidal concentrations with a series of blended gases.

In yet another aspect, the inventions is directed to a system for independently controlling the end tidal concentration of each constituent gas in the expired gas of a subject, the system comprising a source gas outlet, a plurality of component gas inlets, a flow controller for each component gas, an input device for inputting a selected end tidal concentration of a constituent gas X in the source gas and a processor unit programmable to derive the concentration of said constituent gas X in the source gas based on the end tidal concentration of the constituent gas X in the expired gas, said processor unit operatively connected to each flow controller for setting the respective gas flow rate of said flow controller in order to achieve the derived concentration of said constituent gas X in the source gas.

In one embodiment, the selected concentration of the constituent gas X in the source gas is mathematically computed based on the selected end tidal concentration of the constituent gas X in the expired gas. In another embodiment, the source gas is made up of at least three component gases.

In another embodiment, each component gas inlet is fluidly connected to a blended gas source comprising at least 10% O₂. In another embodiment, a source gas outlet port is fluidly connected to a sequential gas delivery circuit, for example, a partial rebreathing circuit.

The system could be developed by preparing it for use with premixed gases of a selected composition such that the need for software to determine inlet concentrations of constituent gases and the need to have flow control on component gases is obviated. It is nonetheless considered within the scope of an embodiment of the present invention.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of developing a system for independently controlling the end tidal concentration of each constituent gas in the expired gas of a subject, comprising:

a) making available for acquisition an apparatus having at least a source gas outlet, a plurality of component gas inlets, and a flow controller for each component gas; and b) facilitating implementation of machine readable instructions to drive a processor unit programmable to derive the concentration of said constituent gas X in the source gas based on the end tidal concentration of the constituent gas X in the expired gas, said processor unit adapted to be operatively connected to each flow controller for setting the respective gas flow rate of said flow controller in order to achieve the derived concentration of said constituent gas X in the source gas. The processor unit may be integrate within the housing of a gas blending apparatus or may have a data input interface for driving the flow controllers. Step b) may include carrying out one or more steps selected from:

-   -   developing of said machine readable instructions;     -   out-sourcing development of said machine readable instructions;     -   making said machine readable instructions available for         acquisition;     -   providing instructions for acquisition of said machine readable         instructions;     -   providing instructions for use of said machine readable         instructions;     -   providing instructions for development of said machine readable         instructions;     -   providing instructions for acquisition of a processor unit         programmed with said machine readable instructions; and     -   providing instructions for working, updating, upgrading,         trouble-shooting, substitution, repair or re-acquisition, of         said machine readable instructions or such processor unit. The         processor unit may be programmed or have “hard-wired” such         instructions.

It will be appreciated that a gas blending apparatus can be made available for acquisition through direct sales or leasing or through collaborating with a third party in the design, development, lease, marketing or sale of an apparatus that is driven by a processor programmed by such machine readable instructions.

The invention contemplates that the system and it method for development can be used with particular gas mixtures that are derived, especially by computation, using the formulas presented herein, thereby obviating the need to calculate these on a case by case basis, and thereby simplifying process control for the component gases. This obviates the need to have individual flow controllers and attendant controls. Therefore in one aspect the system comprises a much simplified apparatus by facilitating its use with specialty gases. In this aspect of the invention the gases may be purchased for use with the system and made be provided with the remainder of the system. In either case instructions the developer facilitates use of the system with the availability of instructions for the use of the specialty gases with a simplified system.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate aspects of embodiments of the present invention and in which:

FIG. 1A shows a rebreathing sequential gas delivery circuit.

FIG. 1B shows a non-rebreathing sequential gas delivery circuit.

FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows data from a subject using the apparatus and method, with constant PETO₂ and changes in levels of PETCO₂,

FIG. 5 shows data from a subject using the apparatus and method, with constant PETCO₂ and changes in levels of PETO₂.

FIG. 6 shows data from a subject using the apparatus and method, with simultaneous controlled changes in PETCO₂ and PETO₂.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It should be noted that gas concentrations described herein may be referred to as partial pressures (e.g. PCO₂) or as fractional concentrations (e.g FCO₂). Those skilled in the art will recognize the relationship between the two in that partial pressure=fractional concentration x ambient atmospheric pressure.

Glossary of Terms Oxygen O₂ Carbon dioxide CO₂ Nitrogen N₂ Partial pressure of oxygen PO₂ Partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO₂ Partial pressure of nitrogen PN₂ Partial pressure of oxygen in end tidal gas PETO₂ Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in end tidal gas PETCO₂ O₂ consumption {dot over (V)}O₂ CO₂ production {dot over (V)}CO₂ Alveolar ventilation {dot over (V)}_(A) Minute ventilation {dot over (V)}_(E) Respiratory quotient RQ Target end tidal CO₂ F_(T)ETCO₂ Target end tidal O₂ F_(T)ETO₂ Minute ventilation {dot over (V)}_(E) Sequential gas delivery (breathing circuit) SGD Source gas, or gas inhaled first from an SGD G¹ Reserve gas, or gas inhaled second from an SGD G² Flow of fresh gas {dot over (V)}G¹ Flow of reserve gas {dot over (V)}G² Flow of Gas A {dot over (Q)}_(A) Flow of Gas B {dot over (Q)}_(B) Flow of Gas C {dot over (Q)}_(C) Target end tidal fractional concentration of CO₂ F_(T)ETCO₂ Target end tidal fractional concentration of O₂ F_(T)ETO₂ Fractional concentration of O₂ in neutral component of G¹ FG¹ _(n)O₂ Fractional concentration of CO₂ in neutral component of FG¹ _(n)CO₂ G¹ Fractional concentration of CO₂ in G¹ FG¹CO₂ Fractional concentration of O₂ in G¹ FG¹O₂

In the present invention the subject preferably breathes through a breathing valve manifold with breathing tubes (herein referred to as a breathing circuit) known as a partial rebreathing circuit. Preferably, the subject breathes on a partial rebreathing circuit that is also a sequential gas delivery (SGD) circuit, whose functions will be reviewed briefly.

The non-rebreathing sequential gas delivery circuit was taught by Fisher [U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,292]. The rebreathing sequential gas delivery circuits were taught by Fisher [U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,725, U.S. Pat. No. 6,612,308]. FIG. 1B illustrates the principles of a non-rebreathing sequential gas delivery circuit. During exhalation, the expiratory one-way valve (30) opens and gas is exhaled to atmosphere; meanwhile, the source gas enters the source gas port (32) and is stored in the source gas reservoir (33). FIG. 1A illustrates the homologous circuit where exhaled gas is used as reserve gas. With this circuit, during exhalation, exhaled gas is directed into an exhaled gas reservoir (28) and made available to act as reserve gas. During inhalation, the one-way inspiratory valve (31) opens and source gas from the source gas port (32) and the source gas reservoir (33) are inhaled. In both of these circuits, when {dot over (V)}E exceeds source gas flow, the difference between {dot over (V)}E and source gas flow is made up of reserve gas which is presented through crossover valve (29) in the rebreathing circuit or via demand valve (35) in the non rebreathing circuit. Source gas and reserve gas are inhaled sequentially: at the beginning of inhalation, gas is inhaled from the fresh gas flow inlet and the fresh gas reservoir. Reserve gas in the non rebreathing circuit is comprised of gas that has similar properties to exhaled gas.

Description of Method to Independently Control End-Tidal Gases

The present invention describes a method for independent control of end tidal (end of exhalation) gas concentrations of a subject. The discussion herein describes the method particularly as it pertains to control of CO₂ and O₂, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the method can be equally applied to control of other gases in the subject.

The method comprises:

determining or estimating the subject's {dot over (V)}CO₂ and {dot over (V)}O₂

setting the initial flow rate of the source gas ({dot over (V)}G¹) into a partial rebreathing circuit, preferably a sequential gas delivery circuit, on which the subject is breathing, approximately equal to the subject's average {dot over (V)}_(A) (discussed further below). This may be accomplished by adjusting the source gas flow until the source gas reservoir of a sequential gas delivery circuit just empties on each breath, or alternatively, a flowmeter may be interposed between the subject and the circuit.

setting the O₂ and CO₂ concentrations in the source gas (FG ¹O₂ and FG ¹CO₂ respectively) to concentrations determined using the methods described below

A partial rebreathing circuit is required with the method since the end tidal concentrations when breathing on such a circuit become fixed (approximately fixed for most partial rebreathing circuits, and reliably fixed with sequential gas delivery circuits) and independent of minute ventilation ({dot over (V)}E), provided the gas flow into the circuit is less than or equal to the {dot over (V)}E. The end tidal concentrations become a function only of the gas concentrations of the source gas.

We will first describe the method for determining FG ¹CO₂. In order to carry out the method, one must first obtain values for the subject's CO₂ production ({dot over (V)}CO₂), which can be done by direct measurement (for example by analyzing a timed collection of exhaled gas for FCO₂) or calculated from standard tables based on other anthropomorphic data such as weight and height.

The method makes use of the relationship known in the art that relates a rate of alveolar ventilation {dot over (V)}_(A) to the subject's fractional end tidal CO₂ concentration:

$\begin{matrix} {{F_{ET}{CO}_{2}} = \frac{\overset{.}{V}{CO}_{2}}{{\overset{.}{V}}_{A}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (4)} \end{matrix}$

This relationship states that for a given rate of alveolar ventilation, a particular end tidal concentration is produced. Lowering the alveolar ventilation raises FETCO₂ and raising it lowers FETCO₂.

As long as the subject's minute ventilation exceeds the {dot over (V)}G¹ the composition of G¹ determines the end-tidal concentrations of a gas. For example, consider a case where the subject has a resting {dot over (V)}_(A) with a corresponding resting end tidal PCO₂. We may wish to increase the source gas flow {dot over (V)}G¹ to greater than the subject's resting {dot over (V)}_(A) to effect a more rapid transition in end-tidal PCO₂ or PO₂. We instruct the subject to breathe at a rate ≧{dot over (V)}G¹ to assure that all of {dot over (V)}G¹ reaches the alveoli, then additional CO₂ in G¹ prevents a reduction in PETCO₂. To calculate the concentrations of constituent gases to G¹ is to mathematically split G¹ into a portion with a flow rate equal to the resting {dot over (V)}_(A) and a portion with the balance of the flow which is (G¹−{dot over (V)}_(A)). We call the portion that is equal to {dot over (V)}_(A) “fresh” gas flow because it contributes to gas exchange, ({dot over (V)}G¹ _(f)) by virtue of having no CO₂. This gas flow therefore determines the end tidal concentration according to Equation (4). The second portion of G¹ consisting of the difference between the desired G¹ and the {dot over (V)}_(A) (G¹−{dot over (V)}_(A)) requires a concentration of CO₂ that does not provide a gradient for gas exchange. Thus composed, it is considered a “neutral” gas flow ({dot over (V)}G¹ _(n)). FG ¹ _(n)CO₂ equal to that of alveolar gas (as approximated by end tidal gas) by definition would be “neutral” with respect to gas exchange of CO₂.

Since there is no CO₂ in {dot over (V)}G¹ _(f), {dot over (V)}G¹ _(n) is the source of all of the CO₂ in G¹ (Equation (6).

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ×F G ¹CO₂ ={dot over (V)}G ¹ _(n) ×F G ¹ _(n)CO₂  Equation (6)

In that case, the concentration in the neutral gas must be equal to the target CO₂ concentration to maintain PETCO₂ at the target value

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ×F G ¹CO₂ ={dot over (V)}G ¹ _(n) ×F _(T) ETCO₂  Equation (7)

and the rate of flow of neutral gas is the difference between the rate of flow of the source gas and the rate of the subject's alveolar ventilation, or

{dot over (V)}G ¹ _(n) =[{dot over (V)}G ¹ −{dot over (V)} _(A)]  Equation (7b)

This allows us to rewrite Equation (7) as:

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ×F G ¹CO₂ =[{dot over (V)}G ¹ −{dot over (V)} _(A) ]×F _(T) ETCO₂  Equation (7c)

Also, the relationship between the subject's target end tidal and alveolar ventilation is known from Equation (4).

$\begin{matrix} {{\overset{.}{V}}_{A} = \frac{\overset{.}{V}{CO}_{2}}{F_{T^{ET}}{CO}_{2}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (4)} \end{matrix}$

Therefore, substituting Equation (4) in equation (7c) we get:

$\begin{matrix} {{\overset{.}{V}G^{1} \times F_{G}^{1}{CO}_{2}} = {\left\lbrack {{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}} - \frac{\overset{.}{V}{CO}_{2}}{F_{T^{ET}}{CO}_{2}}} \right\rbrack \times F_{T^{ET}}{CO}_{2}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (8)} \end{matrix}$

Dividing both sides by {dot over (V)}G¹ gives:

$\begin{matrix} {{F_{G}^{1}{CO}_{2}} = {{F_{T^{ET}}{CO}_{2}} - \frac{\overset{.}{V}{CO}_{2}}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (9)} \end{matrix}$

This argument should hold generically for any gas that is absorbed by the body as well. In practice, it is preferable to have the subject breathing at a rate greater than their resting breathing rate in order to achieve end tidal CO₂ targets below their resting levels. Additionally, having the subject breathe faster enables more rapid transitions between end tidal levels, particularly when moving from higher to lower CO₂ targets, since the breathing rate becomes the limiting factor when giving the lowest concentration (i.e. 0%) of CO₂ possible.

We now describe the method for determining FG ¹O₂. In order to carry out the method, we obtain values for the subject's O₂ consumption ({dot over (V)}O₂), which can be done by direct measurement (for example by collecting exhaled gas in a bag and analyzing its concentration), calculated from standard tables based on other physiological data such as weight and height, or determined from {dot over (V)}CO₂ and the Respiratory Quotient (RQ) which relates {dot over (V)}O₂ to {dot over (V)}CO₂ and is usually estimated as having a value of 0.8 in most people.

$\begin{matrix} {{\overset{.}{V}{CO}_{2}} = \frac{\overset{.}{V}{CO}_{2}}{RQ}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (5)} \end{matrix}$

The method for determining FG ¹O₂ is analogous to determining FG ¹CO₂ with the exception that the sign on the {dot over (V)}O₂ is reversed in Equation (9) reflecting the fact that O₂ is consumed by the body while CO₂ is produced by the body. Thus the analogous form for Equation (9) as is pertains to O₂ is as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{F_{G}^{1}O_{2}} = {{F_{T^{ET}}O_{2}} - \frac{\overset{.}{V}O_{2}}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (11)} \end{matrix}$

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that Equations 9 and 11 may respectively be generalized to any gas that is physiologically produced (as is CO₂) or consumed (as is O₂) by the body. The general form of Equation 9 for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas X that is physiologically produced by the body would thus be to set the concentration of gas X in the source gas (defined as FG ¹X) using

$\begin{matrix} {{F_{G}^{1}X} = {{F_{T^{ET}}X} - \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (12)} \end{matrix}$

where {dot over (V)}X is the subject's minute production of gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of gas X, and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas.

The general form of Equation 11 for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas X that is physiologically consumed by the body would thus be to set the concentration of gas X in the source gas (defined as FG ¹X) using

$\begin{matrix} {{F_{G}^{1}X} = {{F_{T^{ET}}X} + \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (13)} \end{matrix}$

where {dot over (V)}X is the subject's minute production of gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of gas X, and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas.

Optionally, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the method above may be used to target particular end tidal concentrations, however, the targeting may be fine tuned, or the target may be reached more quickly, by measuring the end tidal gas concentrations and using feedback control to increase or decrease the concentrations of a particular gas so as to minimize the difference between the current end tidal concentration and the target end tidal concentration.

Selection of Source Gases

Another aspect of the present invention is the selection of gases used to carry out the method. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, for a given desired total flow, any combination of concentrations of CO₂ and O₂ in the source gas may be achieved by mixing source gases consisting of pure O₂. CO₂ and N₂. However, pure CO₂ and pure N₂ contain no O₂ and thus if the gas blending apparatus were to fail and the subject were to inhale just a few breaths of either of these two gases, it would lead to severe hypoxemia and possibly death. One aspect of the present invention is the use of source gases each of which has at least a minimum concentration of O₂ determined to be the safe minimum level. Preferably, this level is at least 10%, but under certain controlled and monitored conditions, levels less than 10% might still be used.

The gas concentrations are chosen subject to the following constraints:

To achieve a high signal/noise ratio for diagnostics, a wide range of F_(ET)O₂ and F_(ET)CO₂ values is desirable.

Each gas may have a minimum safe concentration of oxygen, such that if it is the only gas given, the subject will not be severely harmed. This is preferably about 10%. One gas (call it gas “C”) may have no more O₂ than this and a low level of CO₂ to achieve the combination of low target FTETO₂ and low F_(T) ETCO₂.

The minimum oxygen concentration of one gas (call it gas “A”) may be set so as to achieve the maximum F_(ET)O₂ desirable to give the subject.

One gas (call it Gas “B”) may also contain at least a high enough CO₂ concentration so as to be able to achieve the maximum F_(ET)CO₂ desired. The concentration of CO₂ in Gas B is further constrained by the fact that, to get a high F_(ET)O₂ and high F_(ET)CO₂ simultaneously, a substantial amount of Gas A (high O₂ concentration) would be given, leaving less room for Gas B in the {dot over (V)}G¹. For example, to achieve a 7.5% F_(ET)CO₂ with a 90% F_(ET)O₂, Gas A would have over a 90% concentration of O₂ and Gas B would have at least a 60% concentration of CO₂.

The O₂ concentration of Gas “B” may be low enough to enable producing in the subject the highest desirable F_(ET)CO₂ and the lowest desirable F_(ET)O₂.

Gas “A” may have a low CO₂ concentration since it contains a high O₂ concentration, and it may be desirable to have a high F_(ET)O₂ and low F_(ET)CO₂, which cannot be achieved any other way once the constraints on gases B and C above are considered.

Therefore, based on the above constraints, the preferred method includes using gases with relative concentrations as described in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Relative concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ in Gas A, Gas B and Gas C FO₂ FCO₂ Gas A High (for greater range of Low (maximum lower bound maximum target end tidal range for end tidal CO₂ - O₂ - preferably 100%) preferably 0%) Gas B The Safe Minimum O₂ High (for greater range of concentration - preferably maximum target end tidal CO₂ - 10% preferably 20%-80%) Gas C The Safe Minimum O₂ Low (maximum lower bound concentration - preferably range for end tidal CO₂ - 10% preferably 0%)

Blending Source Gases to Achieve the Required Total Gas Concentrations of CO₂ and O₂

For the present discussion, we assume that the FO₂ in Gas B and Gas C are set to achieve the lower bound of F_(T) ETO₂, and FCO₂ in Gas A and Gas C are both set to achieve the lower bound F_(T) ETCO₂. Hence, the greatest range of F_(T) ETO₂ and F_(T) ETCO₂ occurs when FBO₂=FCO₂ and FACO₂=FCO₂.

Table 2 is used to defines terms used to designate the O₂ and CO₂ concentrations in Gas A, Gas B and Gas C.

TABLE 2 Definition of terms used to designate the O₂ and CO₂ concentrations in Gas A, Gas B and Gas C. Fractional O₂ Fractional CO₂ concentration concentration Gas A FAO₂ FACO₂ Gas B FBO₂ FBCO₂ Gas C FBO₂ FACO₂

The method summarized by Equations 11 and 9 are used to determine fractional concentrations of CO₂ and O₂ that have to be supplied in G¹ to attain target F_(T) ETCO₂ and F_(T) ETO₂, assuming the subject's or subject's {dot over (V)}CO₂ and {dot over (V)}O₂ are known.

The total flow of source gas G¹ into the apparatus is the sum of the flows of the individual gases A, B and C.

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ={dot over (Q)} _(A) +{dot over (Q)} _(B) +{dot over (Q)} _(C)

The flow of O₂ in the source gas is equal to the sum of the flows of O₂ from the individual gases. Therefore:

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ×F G ¹O₂ ={dot over (Q)} _(A) ×F AO₂ +{dot over (Q)} _(B) ×F BO₂ +{dot over (Q)} _(C) ×F CO₂

But since FCO₂=FBO₂ this can be rewritten as

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ×F G ¹O₂ ={dot over (Q)} _(A) ×F AO₂+({dot over (V)}G ¹ −{dot over (Q)} _(A))×F BO₂

which simplifies to

$\begin{matrix} {{\overset{.}{Q}}_{A} = \frac{{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}O_{2}} - {F_{B}O_{2}}}{{F_{A}O_{2}} - {F_{B}O_{2}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (1)} \end{matrix}$

The flow of CO₂ in the source gas is equal to the sum of the flows in the individual gases. Therefore:

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ×F G ¹CO₂ ={dot over (Q)} _(A) ×F ACO₂ +{dot over (Q)} _(B) ×F BCO₂ +{dot over (Q)} _(C) ×F _(C)O₂

But since FACO₂=FCCO₂ this can be rewritten as

{dot over (V)}G ¹ ×F G ¹CO₂ ={dot over (Q)} _(B) ×F BCO₂+({dot over (V)}G ¹ −{dot over (Q)} _(B))×F ACO₂

This simplifies to

$\begin{matrix} {{\overset{.}{Q}}_{B} = \frac{\overset{.}{V}{G^{1}\left( {{F_{G}^{1}{CO}_{2}} - {F_{A}{CO}_{2}}} \right)}}{{F_{B}{CO}_{2}} - {F_{A}{CO}_{2}}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} (2)} \end{matrix}$

Finally,

{dot over (Q)} _(C) ={dot over (V)}G ¹ −{dot over (Q)} _(A) −{dot over (Q)} _(B)  Equation (3)

Equations 1, 2 and 3 can be used to calculate flows required from each mixture to obtain a total flow ({dot over (V)}G¹) with O₂ concentration of FG ¹O₂ and CO₂ concentration FG ¹CO₂. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other gas combinations for component gases may be used, and the derivation above may be extended to the general case of any concentration for any gas in the component gas. The same method and approach that is described for O₂ can be applied to any other gas that is absorbed, including, but not limited to acetylene, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, anesthetic gases. It is recognized that by defining target PCO₂ and target PO₂, target PN₂ is also defined. In the same way, the target partial pressure of any inert gas can be defined, for example, but not limited to argon, helium, and xenon.

Another aspect of this invention is the use of the independent control of end tidal CO₂ and O₂, N₂ or other gas levels to carry out diagnostic and therapeutic tests or carry out research in physiology. What follows are examples that are not meant to be an exhaustive list of applications for instituting targeted blood gases. For example, the CO₂ levels may be rapidly transitioned from low to high targets and back repeatedly while the subject's brain blood flow is measured using the Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) MRI imaging technique. This produces a map of cerebrovascular reactivity. BOLD and transcranial Doppler, for example can be used to measure the physiology of brain and other tissue blood flow response to changes in blood concentrations of CO₂, O₂, with or without the presence of other gases or substances in the blood. Similarly, occulovascular reactivity may be measured by measuring blood flow in the retinal vessels with Doppler ultrasound, MRI or other devices known to those skilled in the art, at target concentrations of CO₂, O₂ and other gases, with and without the presence of other substances in the blood. Another test involves manipulating O₂ levels in tumors and measuring beneficial oxygenation levels in the tumor using BOLD MRI signal or other methods known to those skilled in the art. This would identify blood gasses providing beneficial levels of blood flow and oxygenation to tumors, sensitizing them to destruction by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This may additionally be combined with using the method during radiotherapy so as to reproduce the determined level of oxygenation. It is obvious that similar studies may be performed in any of the other responsive vascular beds in the body including but not limited to the skin, kidney, heart, lung and various abnormal congenital and acquired conditions such as tumours and vascular malformations.

Being able to achieve target end tidal PO₂ and PCO₂ allows the reproducibility of test conditions. This in turn allows the comparison of tests on one subject from one time to the next and between subjects. This reproducibility of the test enables the doctor, for the first time, to follow the progress of an abnormality, or a response to treatment. For example, in a subject with Moyamoya disease, an area of the brain develops abnormalities in blood vessels which can be identified by abnormal response to changes in PCO₂. Repeated standardized tests to the same target PCO₂ allows the doctor to identify changes in strength of response. In cranial artery stenosis, an area of the brain may lose its vascular reactivity as seen by response to BOLD imaging with MRI in response to changes in PCO₂. The test can be repeated after surgery to identify the extent of recovery of vascular reactivity. If there are still areas of loss of reactivity, further surgery may be indicated.

A standardized test allows the study of the normal physiology of control of blood flow to a tissue or organ that responds to CO₂ or O₂. For example, trans cranial Doppler, BOLD MRI, spin labeling with MRI, Positron Emission Tomography or many other measurements known to those skilled in the art can be used to measure blood flow, oxygenation or metabolism of tissues and organs in response to known, reproducible changes in PO₂ and PCO₂ or other gases with this method.

In summary, this invention provides the ability to provide standard, reproducible stimuli via the lung to vascular beds and other tissues. When combined with any of a long list of sensors, known to those skilled in the art, a standard set of stimuli allows the comparison of results in a subject over time, between subjects in a group, of a group over time, and between groups being studied by different researchers. None of these advantages can be obtained from known methods that do not reliably provide reproducible stimuli.

Alternate Method Using Premixed Gases

Equations 9 and 11 above disclose the method for determining the fractional concentrations of CO₂ and O₂ in the source gas based on the target end tidal concentrations and the subject's rate of O₂ consumption and CO₂ production. It may be desirable for performance of certain diagnostic tests to assume that a particular subject population has a small range of values for CO₂ production and O₂ consumption, or to ignore the small variations that the differences in these values might make to the resulting end tidal concentrations. It would then be possible to use a plurality of gas mixtures with predetermined concentrations of gas to achieve particular sets of targets. For example, assuming all subjects had a {dot over (V)}O₂ of 300 ml/min, {dot over (V)}CO₂ of 250 ml/min, and breathed at a rate of {dot over (V)}E=10 lpm, and given the following set of target end tidal concentrations of CO₂ O₂, one might provide the following premixed gases each of which corresponded to one pair of targets. These gases may be provided to the subject in a predetermined sequence to perform a diagnostic test, for example.

TABLE Sample Premixed Gases to Achieve Desired set of Targets Gas F_(T)ETO₂ F_(T)ETCO₂ D (1.5% CO₂, 52.5% O₂, Bal. N₂) 50% 4.0% E (3.7% CO₂, 22.5% O₂, Bal. N₂) 20% 6.2% F (2.6% CO₂, 72.5% O₂, Bal. N₂) 70% 5.1%

End Tidal Control Apparatus

Another aspect of the present invention is the apparatus used to carry out the method. The apparatus may include source gases chosen to provide the maximum range of combinations of targets for the end tidal gases, a gas blending device and a partial rebreathing circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the gases to be controlled are O₂ and CO₂. With reference to FIG. 2, three pressurized gases A, B and C (which may be referred to as component gases A, B, and C) are connected to the gas blending apparatus (1). When the method is conducted, gases A, B and C are delivered to the blender (1) at flows {dot over (Q)}_(A), {dot over (Q)}_(B) and {dot over (Q)}_(C) that are regulated by flow controllers (6A), (6B) and (6C) via control inputs (3A), (3B) and (3C) respectively. These flow controllers (6 a), (6B) and (6C) may be of many types known in the art, but are preferably mass flow controllers to enhance precision. The control inputs (3A), (3B) and (3C) may be provided via an operative connection between a processing unit (4) and the flow controllers (6A), (6B) and (6C). The processing unit (4) may derive the appropriate control inputs (3A), (3B) and (3C) by looking up values from a database based on the target end tidal values for whatever gas or gases is/are selected to be controlled. The database values would be based on the formulas 9 and 11 discussed above. The processing unit (4) could alternatively calculate the data for the control inputs (3A), (3B) and (3C) directly based on the formulas 9 and 11 discussed above. The processing unit (4) may be any suitable type of processing unit, such as a computer, and may optionally include a screen and/or other output device. The processing unit (4) may be integral with other components, such as the gas blender (1), such that they are held in a common housing. Alternatively, the processing unit (4) may be a separate item that may or may not be supplied with the rest of the system. For example, the processing unit (4) may be supplied by the customer.

Appropriate software 121 for use in controlling the flow controllers 6A, 6B and 6C as described above may be provided with the system. In embodiments wherein the processing unit (4) is provided as part of the system, the software 121 may be provided pre-installed on the processing unit (4). In embodiments wherein the processing unit (4) is expected to be supplied by the customer, the software may accompany the system so that the customer can install the software on their own processing unit (4). Alternatively the software may be provided in some other way. For example, the software may be downloadable remotely by the customer, for example, over the internet. In a situation where the software is supplied over the internet by means of permitting the customer to download the software, it is nonetheless to be considered as having been supplied as part of the system, whether or not the processing unit 4 is also included or is expected to be supplied by the customer.

For clarity, the concept of controlling the flows of the component gases A, B and C comprises setting the flows of the gases A, B and C to achieve selectable concentrations for at least two of the constituent gases that are contained in the combined flow of the gases A, B and C. It is alternatively possible to provide an apparatus with one or more gas inlets, wherein the one or more component gases connected to the one or more gas inlets already have a preselected concentration of gases in them, so that no flow control is needed on any individual component gas. For example, a single component gas could be used, which already contains a selected concentration of the gases to achieve a particular desired end tidal concentrations. This may be applicable in certain diagnostic situations for example, where a subject is brought to a selected set of end tidal conditions that are consistent from subject to subject.

The concept of controlling the end tidal gas concentrations of a plurality of gases comprises selecting the end tidal gas concentrations for a plurality of gases and setting the concentrations of gases in the source gas flow to achieve the selected end tidal conditions. It may be that one of the gases, for example, is selected to be maintained at constant concentration in the end tidal gas.

Flows of {dot over (Q)}_(A), {dot over (Q)}_(B) and {dot over (Q)}_(C) are determined according to the present method for target FETCO₂ and FETO₂ at each phase in the sequence. The blend of {dot over (Q)}A, {dot over (Q)}B, and {dot over (Q)}C results in {dot over (V)}G¹. The resulting mixture, G¹, leaves the blender (1) via an output hose (7) and is delivered to the gas inlet (8) of the partial rebreathing circuit (9). In the preferred embodiment shown, the partial rebreathing circuit is a sequential gas delivery circuit. During inhalation, inspiratory one-way valve (10) opens and the first part of the breath comes from the gas inlet (8) and G¹ reservoir (11). If {dot over (V)}E> exceeds {dot over (V)}G¹, the G¹ reservoir (11) collapses during the breath and the balance of the breath comes from the exhaled gas G² reservoir (12) via the crossover valve (13) or in the case of a non-rebreathing SGD from stored exogenous gas that approximates exhaled gas.

During exhalation, expiratory one-way valve (14) opens and expired gases are either collected in the exhaled gas reservoir (12), or in the case of a non-rebreathing SGD, they are vented. Meanwhile, G¹ collects in the G¹ source gas reservoir (11). Optional pressure sampling line (15) and pressure transducer (17) can be inserted at the subject-circuit interface to aid in synchronization of changes in gas flows with the breath. Optionally, gas may be sampled via line (16) connected to an optional CO₂/O₂ analyzer (18). Peak detection algorithm can use signals from pressure transducer (17) or gas analyzer to detect breaths and pick end-tidal values for O₂ and CO₂. Data can be analyzed on- or off-line and displayed on a computer screen that is optionally part of the processing unit (4).

Optionally, if it is desired to give the subject air during a stand by phase, three-way solenoid valve (2) is electronically controlled by connection (3S) from machine intelligence (4) and is either open to air source (5) or to the manifold (82) collecting gas from gas sources A, B and C. When the apparatus is in the standby mode, the subject receives air flow which is regulated by flow controller (6) via control input (84).

Alternate Embodiment

If it is desired to “hardwire” a particular sequence of target end tidal concentrations, premixed gases with concentrations to achieve the desired targets can be used with an alternative apparatus described in FIG. 3. For any given pattern of transitions and steady states, individual concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ in the G¹ gas measured among different subjects will depend on subject's {dot over (V)}O₂ and {dot over (V)}CO₂. In order to accommodate for these differences, apparatus described in FIG. 3 allows precise control of {dot over (V)}G¹ according to the subject's {dot over (V)}O₂ and {dot over (V)}CO₂ or estimate thereof.

With reference to FIG. 3 a set of premixed gases (5 are shown, but one is needed for each set of target end tidal concentrations) D, E, F, G and H containing premixed mixtures of O₂, CO₂ and N₂ equal to those required in the G¹ gas during each phase of the sequence, are connected to gas blender (1). Two-way solenoid valves (25D, 25E, 25F, 25G, 25H) control the flow of gases D, E, F, G and H. The two-way solenoid valves (25) are controlled by machine intelligence (4), which contains pre-programmed information about the order and duration of opening of each individual valve. Gas flow to the circuit (9) is regulated by a flow controller (26). Optional three-way solenoid valve (23) is electronically controlled via machine intelligence (4) and may be open to optional air source (5) during an optional stand by phase or to the gases coming through solenoids (25). The rest of the apparatus may be the same as in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4-6 show experimental data obtained from a subject whose end tidal values were controlled and set to target levels.

The term “selecting” in reference to “selecting” the rate of flow of the source gas does not necessarily imply that the apparatus is of a character where the rate must be adjustable. Strictly speaking the implication is that an operator need only prepare for use an apparatus with a rate of flow suitable to the task at hand, particularly where only a single rate of flow is acceptable. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that an adjustable rate of flow adds considerable flexibility to the way the apparatus can be used. For example, where a rapid change of one or more end tidal target gas concentrations is sought to be effected, setting the flow rate to be faster, with rapid breathing expected of the subject, permits more rapid alveolar gas exchange.

The term “source gas” is understood to mean the gas ultimately flowing to and inhaled by the subject. This gas may be made up of one or more “component gases”, namely individual gases comprising one or more “constituent gases”. Constituent gases are invariably understood to mean substantially “pure” gases in terms of their molecular make up eg. 100% O₂. Where a component gas comprises more than one constituent gas, this component gas is frequently referred to herein as a “mixed” or “blended” gas. However, in a particular context, a reference to a blended or mixed gas could possibly also be understood to refer to the source gas itself.

It will be understood that selecting the concentration of the at least one constituent gas of the at least one component gas may simply be accomplished by selecting the correct single component of a single component source gas.

While the above description describes preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that these embodiments are susceptible to modification and change without departing from the scope of the invention and the fair meaning of the accompanying claims. 

1-110. (canceled)
 111. A method for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of at least one gas X in a subject comprising: a) selecting a rate of a source gas flow into a re-breathing circuit used by the subject, the rate projected to be less than the minute ventilation of the subject such that the subject in-hales the source gas for the first portion of a breath and a neutral gas for a remainder of a breath; b) selecting the concentration of at least one constituent gas X of at least one component gas making up the source gas, wherein the concentration of the constituent gas X in the source gas is computed from: A) the target end tidal concentrations of gas X; B) the flow rate of the source gas into the breathing circuit; and C) if X is a gas consumed by the patient gas, the minute consumption of gas X, or if gas X is produced by the patient, the minute production of gas X. c) providing the source gas for inhalation by the subject for the first portion of a breath and providing a neutral gas for inhalation for the remainder of the breath.
 112. A method according to claim 111, wherein the end tidal concentration of two constituent gases are targeted independently.
 113. A method according to claim 111, wherein the requisite concentration of a constituent gas X in the source gas is approximated using one of the following computations: ${{\left. i \right)\mspace{14mu} F_{G}^{1}X} = {{F_{T^{ET}}X} - \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}},$ where {dot over (V)}X is the patient's minute production of gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of gas X, and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas; ${{\left. {ii} \right)\mspace{14mu} F_{G}^{1}X} = {{F_{T^{ET}}X} + \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}},$ where {dot over (V)}X is the patient's minute consumption of gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of gas X and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas.
 114. A method according to claim 111, wherein the concentration of each constituent gas X in the source gas is approximated using one of the following computations: ${{\left. i \right)\mspace{14mu} F_{G}^{1}X} = {{F_{T^{ET}}X} - \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}},$ where {dot over (V)}X is the patient's minute production of gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of gas X, and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas; ${{\left. {ii} \right)\mspace{14mu} F_{G}^{1}X} = {{F_{T^{ET}}X} + \frac{\overset{.}{V}X}{\overset{.}{V}G^{1}}}},$ where {dot over (V)}X is the patient's minute consumption of gas X, F_(T) ETX is the target end tidal concentration of gas X and {dot over (V)}G¹ is the flow rate of the source gas.
 115. A method according to claim 111, wherein the source gas is constituted from at least one component gas, and wherein a subject is prepared for administration of a diagnostic test by allowing a subject to inhale the source gas for a time period at least sufficient to attain the target end tidal concentrations of the constituent gas.
 116. A method according to claim 115, wherein said at least sufficient time period is no greater than 30 seconds at a rate corresponding to a minute ventilation which is greater than the rate of flow of the source gas.
 117. A method according to claim 115, wherein said at least sufficient time period is no greater than the duration of a single breath and wherein the rate of flow of the source gas is between 5 and 20 liters per minute.
 118. A method according to claim 111, further comprising the step of selecting a different concentration of the at least one constituent gas in the source gas, the concentration of the at least one constituent gas selected to be at a predetermined level corresponding to a second different target end tidal concentration of gas X.
 119. A method according to claim 118, further comprising the step of allowing a subject to inhale said source gas having different concentration of the at least one constituent gas for a time period at least sufficient to attain the second target end tidal concentration of gas X.
 120. A method according to claim 119, further comprising the step of measuring a physiological variable in a subject at least at one respective time point corresponding to a period of maintaining each of said first and second end tidal concentrations of gas X.
 121. A method according to claim 120, wherein said physiological variable is vascular reactivity.
 122. A method according to claim 115, wherein said diagnostic test comprises measuring cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) by MRI.
 123. A method according to claim 121, wherein cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) is measured by MRI.
 124. A method according to claim 111, wherein the source gas has a minimum safe concentration of O₂.
 125. The method of claim 124 wherein each component gas has a minimum safe O₂ concentration of 10%.
 126. The method of claim 111, wherein the partial re-breathing circuit is a sequential gas delivery circuit.
 127. The method of claim 111, wherein the constituent gas whose end tidal concentration target is being induced is O₂.
 128. The method of claim 111, wherein the constituent gas whose end tidal concentration target is being induced is CO₂.
 129. The method of claim 121, wherein the constituent gas whose end tidal concentration target is being induced is CO₂.
 130. The method of claim 112, wherein the end tidal CO₂ level is changed while the end tidal O₂ level is kept constant or wherein the end tidal PO₂ level is changed while the end tidal PCO₂ level is kept constant or wherein the end tidal PO₂ level and the end tidal PCO₂ level are changed simultaneously.
 131. A method according to claim 111, using at least three component gases in which respective constituent gases concentrations have the following composition ranges: i) GAS A: 85-100% oxygen i) Gas B: 85-100% carbon dioxide ii) Gas C: 85-100% nitrogen. or a) Gas A: 50-100% O₂, 0-20% CO₂ b) Gas B: 10-30% O₂, 20-80% CO₂ c) Gas C: 10-30% O₂, 0-20% CO₂; or d) Gas A: 100% O₂, 0% CO₂ e) Gas B: 10% O₂, 20-80% CO₂ f) Gas C: at least 10% O₂, 0% CO₂.
 132. A method according to claim 112, comprising the step of measuring occulovascular reactivity by controlling the end tidal CO₂ and O₂ levels of a subject and monitoring occulovascular blood flow.
 133. A method according to claim 112, comprising the step of measuring a beneficial level of oxygenation to tissues for the purpose of radiotherapy or chemotherapy by independently controlling the end tidal CO₂ and O₂ levels of a subject and monitoring oxygenation or blood flow in the tumor. 